Mini Pavlovas in Advance

Asked by CP77. Answered on 27th May 2015

Full question

Hi there, can the Mini Pavlovas be made in advance or should they be eaten on the day they are made? And also the same question for the Chocolate Pavlova with Raspberries. Obviously I wouldn't add the cream until the day but can the meringues be made beforehand? Many thanks.

Our answer

Most meringues, such as the mini meringue bases in Nigella's Mini Pavlovas (from Domestic Goddess and on the Nigella website) can be made in advance and how long they last depends a lot on the weather. If it is humid or very wet weather then meringues can become soft very quickly. This is due to the high proportion of sugar in the meringues, and sugar tends to attract moisture.

In dry conditions the meringues can be made up to 2 days ahead. When they are completely cold store the meringues in an airtight container. The Chocolate pavlova tends to be slightly softer and more gooey in the centre and so is best made just one day in advance. Again store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. The whipped cream and fruit should be put on the meringues just before serving and leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 1 to 2 days (the meringue will soften quickly once it has been topped with cream).